Model Totem Pole
Maker
Arthur Shaughnessy (Hemasilakw)
Native American, Kwakwaka'wakw, Dzawada'enuxw, Kingcome Inlet, 1884 - 1945
Label TextA master carver of ceremonial arts, nearly all of Hemasilaka’s life was shadowed by the potlatch ban (1884- 1951). He pushed the traditional origins of his art style toward distinctively modern refinements, evidenced in the bold sculptural forms and exuberant painting of his full-size poles—even his model poles powerfully convey the personalities of each mythic figure. Shaughnessy carved the four houseposts in this gallery.
Object number2000.51
Photo CreditPhoto: Scott Leen
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Avian Avatars: Birds in Northwest Coast Prints from the Colwell Collection, Dec. 15, 2021 - June 12, 2022.Credit LineGift of June Bedford in honour of Steve Brown
Dimensions36 3/4 x 10 1/4 x 5 3/4 in. (93.3 x 26.0 x 14.6 cm)
MediumWood and pigment
Arthur Shaughnessy (Hemasilakw)
ca. 1907
Object number: 82.168.1
Arthur Shaughnessy (Hemasilakw)
ca. 1907
Object number: 82.168.2
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